Support for network interface devices

ABSTRACT

A rigid support is disclosed for attaching a Network Interface Device thereto. The support has an elongate shape with an upper end and a lower end. The support also has means for sliding a ground plate along the support. The support is driven into the earth, and the ground plate is longitudinally adjustable along the support to vary the height of the ground plate above the earth. The ground plate is for connection to electrical ground.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its figures contain material subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, but the copyright owner otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention generally relates to supports and, more particularly, to earth-inserted supports for attaching Network Interface Devices in a telecommunications network.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Network Interface Devices are often pre-assembled to a ground support. A Network Interface Device, as those of ordinary skill in the art understand, provides a demarcation between a telecommunications or cable network and a customer's internal wiring. These Network Interface Devices have a customer side and a service provider side. The service provider's side of the Network Interface Device is usually secured to prevent the customer from accessing the network side. The Network Interface Device typically houses one or more “network interface modules.” These network interface modules connect the residence or the business to the network. The Network Interface Device is commonly mounted to a building or to a utility pole, however, the Network Interface Device may also be mounted to a stake or support. The support is then driven into the earth at the desired location for the Network Interface Device. Because the support is a very common method of locating the Network Interface Device, some Network Interface Devices are pre-assembled to the support. The Network Interface Device, and the attached support, is sold as an assembly.

[0006] This pre-assembled Network Interface Device and support also includes buried service wire. That is, the pre-assembled Network Interface Device and support is sold with fifty or even one hundred feet (50 or 100 ft.) of attached buried service wire. This buried service wire, however, is frequently removed prior to installation of the assembly. Many technicians determine the attached buried service wire is not necessary for the installation, and the technician cuts the buried service wire from the Network Interface Device. The buried service wire is then usually discarded.

[0007]FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating a prior art and pre-assembled Network Interface Assembly 10. The pre-assembled Network Interface Assembly 10 has a Network Interface Device 12 mounted to a support 14. The Network Interface Device 10 comprises an indoor/outdoor enclosure 16 that houses a terminal or network interface modules (neither is shown for simplicity). The prior art, pre-assembled Network Interface Assembly 10 also includes a coil 18 of buried service wire. This coil 18 of buried service wire has one end routed within the enclosure 16 and attached to the internal componentry. Because most installations already have buried service wire routed to the desired location of the Network Interface Device 12, the attached coil 18 of buried service wire is not needed. The technician cuts the coil 18 from the pre-assembled Network Interface Assembly 10, drives the support 14 into the earth, and then connects the existing buried service wire to the terminal. The coil 18 is usually discarded. The discarded coil 18 of fifty or one hundred feet (50 or 100 ft.) of buried service wire is a tremendous waste of cable. There is, accordingly, a need in the art for a pre-assembled Network Interface Assembly that is more conducive to actual installation practices, a pre-assembled Network Interface Assembly that does not waste buried service wire, and a pre-assembled Network Interface Assembly that is less expensive.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] This invention is a pre-assembled Network Interface Assembly. This Network Interface Assembly includes a Network Interface Device mounted to a support. The support is driven into the earth at the desired location of the Network Interface Device. Because this pre-assembled Network Interface Assembly does not include a coil of buried service wire, this invention saves approximately forty seven dollars ($47) per assembly. This invention also includes means for sliding a ground plate along the support. The ground plate is for connection to electrical ground. After the support is driven into the earth, this invention allows the ground plate to be longitudinally adjustable along the support. A technician may then vary the height of the ground plate above the earth. Because the height of the ground plate can be varied, the technician has more flexibility when routing, cutting, and splicing wires to/from the Network Interface Device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this invention are better understood when the following Detailed Description of the Invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating the prior art;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of this invention; and

[0012]FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are schematics illustrating another embodiment of this invention;

[0013]FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematics illustrating still another alternative embodiment of this invention; and

[0014]FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematics illustrating yet another alternative embodiment of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015]FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating one embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 shows a pre-assembled Network Interface Assembly 10. This pre-assembled Network Interface Assembly 10 has the Network Interface Device 12 mounted to a support 20. The pre-assembled Network Interface Assembly 10, however, does not include an attached coil of buried service wire. This pre-assembled Network Interface Assembly 10, without the coil of buried service wire, costs approximately forty seven dollars ($47) less than the prior art assembly. Because a thousand or so of these Network Interface Assemblies are installed every year, this invention represents nearly $50,000 per year in material savings.

[0016] The Network Interface Device 12 provides an interconnection between network 22 and a customer's premises 24. The Network Interface Device 12 commonly interconnects a telecommunications network with the customer's premises 24, but the Network Interface Device 12 could also interconnect a cable network with the customer's premises 24. There are many Network Interface Devices available in the market. Coming Cable Systems, for example, markets many weather-resistant enclosures, such as the NI-2006 Network Interface Device, for both indoor and outdoor installations (Coming Cable Systems LLC, P.O. Box 489, Hickory N.C. 28603, 800.743.2685). Because Network Interface Devices are well-known and widely used, and not pertinent to disclosure of this invention, this patent will only describe the basic components and operation of the Network Interface Device 12.

[0017] The indoor/outdoor enclosure 16 has a customer access door 26. The customer access door 26 is open to reveal one or more network interface modules 28. The network interface modules 28 provide a demarcation between the network 22 and the customer's premises 24. The network interface module 28 is thus used to segregate responsibility for faults (such as an electrically open condition or an electrically shorted condition) between the customer and the network service provider. The Network Interface Device 12 is also shown attached to the support 20. The support 20 has a left side 30 and a right side 32. An upper end 34 of the support 20 attaches to the enclosure 16. A lower end 36 of the support 20 is driven into the earth at the desired location for the Network Interface Device 12.

[0018]FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are schematics illustrating another embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a pre-assembled Network Interface Assembly 38. This pre-assembled Network Interface Assembly 38 includes the Network Interface Device 12 attached to an upper end 40 of a support 42. FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of the support 42 taken along line L₄-L₄ (shown as reference numeral 43) of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a ground plate 82 sliding along a partial view of the support 42. As FIG. 3 shows, the customer access door 26 of the indoor/outdoor enclosure 16 is closed, thus, not revealing the network interface modules (shown as reference numeral 28 in FIG. 2). The support 42 has a left side 44 and a right side 46. The left side 44 and the right side 46 taper toward or at a lower end 48 of the support 42, thus permitting the lower end 48 to be driven into the earth.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of the support 42. The support 42 has a front channel section 56. The left and right sides 44 and 46 rearwardly and outwardly extend from the front channel section 56 to form a generally “V”-shaped cross-section 58. The front channel section 56 preferably extends along the length of the support 42, and the front channel section 56 provides a sheltered location for the buried service wire 60. The buried service wire 60 is also sectioned to show the two conductors 62 and 64. The buried service wire 60 is routed up from the earth, along the inside of the front channel section 56, and into the Network Interface Device (shown as reference numeral 12 in FIG. 3). The left side 44 also includes an outwardly extending left flange 66 at a distal end 68. The right side 46, similarly, also includes an outwardly extending right flange 70 at a distal end 72.

[0020] The support 42 also comprises means for sliding a ground plate along the support 42. As FIG. 4 shows, the left side 44 comprises a left channel 74 extending at least partially along a length of the support 42. The left channel 74 longitudinally extends along an interior side 76 of the left side 44. The right side 46, similarly, may comprise a right channel 78 longitudinally extending along an interior side 80. FIG. 5 is a schematic showing a partial, isometric view of the support 42, and FIG. 5 illustrates a ground plate 82 sliding along the right channel 78. A right edge 84 of the ground plate 82 is received within, and slides along, the right channel 78, while a left edge 86 of the ground plate 82 is received within, and slides along, the left channel 78. When the support 42 is driven into the earth, the ground plate 82 is longitudinally adjustable along the support 42. A technician may thus vary the height of the ground plate 82 above the earth.

[0021] As those of ordinary skill in the art understand, the ground plate 82 is for connection to electrical ground. The ground plate 82 is constructed of an electrically conductive material and connected to electrical ground. Ordinarily the support 42 is constructed of a conductive material (e.g., a metal material) and, when driven into the earth, the support 42 establishes a good connection to electrical ground. Should, however, the support 42 be constructed of a non-conductive or a partially-conductive material (such as a polymer material or a fiber-reinforced material), the ground plate 82, instead, provides the connection to electrical ground. Should the support 42 be painted or coated with a material (e.g., powder coating) that insulates or inhibits a connection to electrical ground, the ground plate 82 provides this connection to electrical ground. Because this invention comprises means for sliding the ground plate 82 along the support 42, the technician has more flexibility when routing, cutting, and splicing wires to/from the Network Interface Device (shown as reference numeral 12 in FIG. 3).

[0022]FIG. 4 best shows the left 74 channel and the right channel 78. A left inner flange 88 inwardly extends from the interior side 76 of the left side 44. The left inner flange 88 comprises the left channel 74. The left inner flange 88 may inwardly extend at any location along the interior side 76, but the left inner flange 88 is shown proximate the distal end 68 of the left side 44. The right side 46, similarly, includes a right inner flange 90 comprising the right channel 78. The right inner flange 90 inwardly extends from the right interior side 80. The right inner flange 90, too, may inwardly extend at any location along the interior side 80, but the right inner flange 90 is also shown proximate the distal end 72 of the right side 46. The left channel 74 and the right channel 78 each have a width sufficient to receive the respective edges of the ground plate 82, and the ground plate 82 longitudinally slides along the channels.

[0023]FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematics illustrating another alternative embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of another “V”-shaped support 92. FIG. 7 is a partial, isometric view of the same support 92, and FIG. 7 illustrates a sliding ground plate 114. This embodiment comprises outwardly extending left and right sides 94 and 96, but the left side 94 and the right side 96 share a common inner edge 98 to form a generally “V”-shaped cross-section 100 of the support 92. A left flange 102 inwardly extends from an interior side 104 of the left side 94. The left flange 102 may inwardly extend at any location along the interior side 104, but the left flange 102 is shown proximate a distal end 106 of the left side 104. The right side 96, similarly, includes a right flange 108 inwardly extending from a right interior side 110. The right flange 108, too, may inwardly extend at any location along the interior side 110, but the right flange 108 is also shown proximate a distal end 112 of the right side 96. A right edge 116 of the ground plate 114 slides along the right flange 108, while a left edge 118 of the ground plate 114 slides along the left flange 102. The ground plate 114 may have channeled edges that slide along the respective flanges. As FIG. 7 best illustrates, the left edge 118 of the ground plate 114 may include a left channel 120. The right edge 116 of the ground plate 114 may include a similar right channel 122. When the support 42 is driven into the earth, the ground plate 114 slides along the left and right flanges 102 and 108, thus being longitudinally adjustable along the support 92. A technician may thus vary the height of the ground plate 114 above the earth.

[0024]FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematics illustrating yet another alternative embodiment of this invention. FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a rectangular cross-sectional support 124. FIG. 9 is a partial, isometric view of a ground plate 126 sliding along the support 124. The support 124 comprises a front side 128, a left side 130, and a right side 132. The left side 130 and the right side 132 each rearwardly extend from the front side 128 to form a generally “U”-shaped cross-section 134 of the support 124. The left side 130 and the right side 132 could alternatively outwardly and/or inwardly extend from the front side 128 to form a generally parallelogram-shaped cross-section. A left flange 136 inwardly extends from the left side 130. The left flange 136 may inwardly extend at any location along an interior side 138, but the left flange 136 is shown proximate a distal end 140 of the left side 130. The right side 132, similarly, includes a right flange 142 inwardly extending from an interior side 144. The right flange 142, too, may inwardly extend at any location along the interior side 144, but the right flange 142 is also shown proximate a distal end 146 of the right side 32.

[0025]FIG. 9 shows the ground plate 126 sliding along the support 124. A right edge 148 of the ground plate 126 slides along the right flange 142, while a left edge 150 of the ground plate 126 slides along the left flange 136. The ground plate 126 may have channeled edges that slide along the respective flanges (as shown and discussed with reference to FIG. 7). The ground plate 126 slides along the left and right flanges 136 and 142, and a technician may vary the height of the ground plate 114 above the earth.

[0026] The support shown in FIGS. 2-9 may be constructed of two or more sections. An upper section, for example, would engage a lower section using engaging tabs, tangs, notches, slots, holes, and/or other engagement features. The support preferably includes multiple sets of, or overlapping, engagement features that allow the overall length of the support to be varied. A middle section would engage both the upper section and the lower section to increase the overall length of the support. The overall length of the support could be varied from about twenty four inches (24 in.) to about fifty inches (50 in.).

[0027] While the present invention has been described with respect to various features, aspects, and embodiments, those skilled and unskilled in the art will recognize the invention is not so limited. Other variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a rigid support for attaching a Network Interface Device thereto, the support having an elongate shape with an upper end and a lower end; and means for sliding a ground plate along at least a portion of the support, wherein the support is driven into the earth and the ground plate is longitudinally adjustable along the support to vary the height of the ground plate above the earth, the ground plate for connection to electrical ground.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for sliding the ground plate along the support comprises a channel extending at least partially along a length of the support, the ground plate sliding along the channel.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for sliding the ground plate along the support comprises a flange extending at least partially along a length of the support, the ground plate sliding along the flange.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for sliding the ground plate along the support comprises a left channel and a right channel, the left channel longitudinally extending along a left side of the support, the right channel longitudinally extending along a right side of the support, the ground plate sliding along the left and right channel to vary the height of the ground plate above the earth.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the left channel longitudinally extends proximate a distal end of the left side.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the right channel longitudinally extends proximate a distal end of the right side.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the left channel longitudinally extends along an interior of the left side.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the right channel longitudinally extends along an interior of the right side.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the left side and the right side share a common inner edge to form a generally “V”-shaped cross-section of the support.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the support comprises a front side, and the left side and the right side each rearwardly extend from the front side to form a generally “U”-shaped cross-section of the support.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the Network Interface Device mounted to the support.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the ground plate.
 13. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support comprises a tapered end for insertion into the earth. 